Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

G'day. My name Fordy. I have recently started an aquaponics project in my backyard. Its my first system but I have been aware of the process for many years.

I will post some development picture as time allows but I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself and describe my system.

I have a decent backyard but once you allow for the shed, swimming pool, chooks, BBQ area, decking, garden, and room for the kids to play there was not much room for an aquaponic system. Other than the above restrictions I needed to find an unused area that received enough direct sun. After alot of thought I looked at the narrow side access. Running north south it seem to have enough sun but the area was long and narrow. I needed a long and narrow system and I wanted it to be at least 1000lt. (can someone direct me to the easiest online photo storage and I'll be able to post some pictures).

I looked at prefab systems but no product was suitable. Other restriction on my new system was the strange looks from my wife. I think her comment was "I don't want an ugly fish tank in my backyard and don't spend too much money".

With all of the above in mind I proceded with contruction. As I have mentioned I will start to post some picture shortly.

Current status - I have just completed planting and now am waiting for the system to cycle and expect to be stocking with fish in two weeks. I looking forward to keeping you all updated.

This is the frame of my system. I have used steel tube. The grow beds are recycle bins bought from Bunnings. 6 in total plumbed into two groups of three.

The idea of the exercise was to have a neat low cost system. The steel was left over from a job and the recycle bins were $20 each. Plumbing cost a bit and I still didn't have the fish tanks.

looks like a good start to me.

I use photobucket for online photo storage, just in case you hadn't solved that problem already, although it looks as though you may have.

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Fabian's System

Nice work Fordy - looking forward to what it lokos like set up

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My System: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=5264
My Website: http://www.chillies-down-under.com
My Blog: http://www.seaweedguy.com

The Gb's look a tad high, getting plants and such you will probably need a ladder.

Are you going to have a second row of GB below them?

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http://www.fishyplants.com

There will be a step included in the design.

Once all the plumbing was fitted and checked for leaks I was able to move the system into position. The frame and grow beds were an easy carry for two people. I have now ordered the tanks. Because of the odd shape I ordered glass tanks ($$$).


Looking from the other end. The intention is to clad the frmae in decking boards. It all begining to take shape.

The first of the two tanks arrived. This one is 5 foot long. About 400lt. There was a delay with the second tank as the glazier cut the glass to the wrong width. As the system is effectively two systems connected I will still be able to start this end and plant when the silocon cures on the tank

First plants in.

Second tank arrived and is now up and running. Basically I have two systems running that are connected. This may have advantages when it comes to stocking fish. As well as being able to rotate the plantings I will be also able to rotate the fish stock or stock two species. Effectively I have doubled up on all equipment. Including solar pumps for water circulation (below)

Both tanks have been set up. They are joined by some simple plumbing. I have stored all the electric cables in an off the shelf outdoor electric box ($30)

After all my careful planning I have made the first of no doubt several errors. The fish feeder. I couldn't fit it in between the top of the tank and the bottom of the grow bed.. An easy fix, I just had to move the access doors up 1 plank.



'Thats my dog Macca. He will be an expert in aquaponics by the time this project is finished.'

Not long now before the fish go in. I think I go for rainbow trout (15) in one tank and murray cod (20) in the other. I'm more than happy to take advice on this.



This photo shows Macca again, plus the space I have to access the tanks.

Looks a neat, attractive system. Perhaps you could post a rebuttal on the "Are all aquaponics systems ugly?" thread!

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"Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos." - Homer Simpson

Bythebrook's system